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· The 2009 Lygon Stevens “Time To Live” Memorial Climb
Schedule Recap The 2nd Annual Memorial Climb was held July 31 - August 1, 2009 stretching from Loveland to Rocky Mountain National Park to Estes Park. It is our desire that everyone who participated was changed in some way to pursue a path in life that challenges your comfort zone, sharpens your skills, and deepens your relationship with our heavenly Father. This was the schedule:
1. Friday Night, July 31 – 6:30 – 8:30 Resurrection Fellowship We gathered at Resurrection Fellowship in Loveland for planning, preparation, and inspiration. T-shirts, pink ribbons, granola bars, and maps were handed out. Craig DeMartino, a rock climber and inspirational speaker who miraculously survived a 96-foot fall, shared his testimony. He now presses through the adversity and pain to climb competitively with a prosthesis. (www.afterthefallministry.com). The incredible Tom Ewing (www.tomewing.net) lead us in praise and worship. It couldn't have been any better!
2. Saturday, August 1 – Rocky Mountain National Park Five hikes/climbs were organized according to desire and skill level. Over 100 signed up for these. • Longs Peak—Keyhole Route—(14,255’) 14 miles, 4,855’ elevation gain. View up to 200 mi. Difficult. Departure 3:00 AM from Longs Peak trailhead. • Long’s Peak—Loft Route— (14,255’) 13 miles, 5,300’ elevation gain. Requires route finding skills. View up to 200 mi. More difficult. Depature 3:00 AM from Longs Peak trailhead. • Chasm Lake—(11,800’) 8.4 miles, 2,360’ elevation gain. Follows Longs Peak trail 3.7 mi. View Longs Peak, Diamond, and Mt. Lady Washington. Moderate. Departure 7:00 AM from Longs Peak trailhead. • Mt. Lady Washington — (13,281’) 8 miles, 3,238’ elevation gain. Follows Longs Peak trail 3.7 mi. View Lygon’s famous vista! Moderate. Departure 7:00 AM from Longs Peak trailhead. • Emerald Lake—(10,160’) 3.6 miles, 605’ elevation gain. Winds past three lakes. Easy. Departure 9:00 AM from Bear Lake trailhead. Also, the circle walk around Bear Lake is beautiful for anyone simply wanting the shortest of all hikes.
3. Saturday Evening, Rocky Mountain Church, Estes Park We gathered to share stories, photos, and a feast between 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Rocky Mountain Church on Mary’s Lake Road in Estes Park. Dave Clarkson smoked the meat for a barbeque that satisfied even the hungriest climbers. Anyone was welcome, whether climbing or not. Around 75 joined us for this.
4. Rocky Mountain Church Saturday Evening Service – 7:00 – 8:30 Nick and Nicklis Stevens both spoke at the Saturday evening service. They spoke of dealing with
Recap of the two days in pictures Ah yes, Victory is in the Climb – 2009 2nd Annual Lygon Stevens Memorial Climb! The weekend of August 1st saw climbers of all abilities scattered among the mountains and trails of Rocky Mountain Park in the pursuit of living now! More than 150 people participated in the Friday, July 31 evening kickoff at Resurrection Fellowship with loads of excitement and anticipation for the next day. After picking up maps and granola bars, we were lead in praise and worship by Tom Ewing, who sent us out pumped up with ”Shouts of Joy”! Guest speaker Craig DeMartino of Loveland inspired everyone by his amazing testimony of pushing through pain and setbacks to achieve God’s purposes.
Tom Ewing leading us in worship to nourish the soul and inspire the body
Nick introducing the amazing Craig DeMartino
Saturday morning came very early for the 60 people who struck out with headlamps at 3:00am to climb Longs Peak.
Despite the cold and damp, the sunrise was unsurpassed! Aaaahh!
The weather helped us accentuate our theme, “Victory is in the Climb,” as snow and ice covered the upper end of the trough and the homestretch to Longs. Also, the wind was dropping the wind-chill into the 20’s or lower. This caused the guides to route most of us to alternate destinations. Those who pushed through the elements, whether to the Boulder Field, the Key Hole, the Trough, or the summit, are all to be commended!
Difficult conditions, above, forced a re-routing of climbers on Longs Peak, but it did not keep a stalwart dozen from reaching the summit, some of whom appear above. Ten of those 12 were young Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries instructors or students who had just finished their 40/40 (40-day wilderness training).
Chasm crew spotting fellow climbers on Longs summit! The 7:00am crew met for a great hikes to either Chasm Lake or Mount Lady Washington. New friendships were forged and amazing vistas were enjoyed. Thank you to Brett and Sunshine Gearhart for overseeing this one!
Group Photo at Chasm Lake Those of us who took the 9:00 departure to Emerald Lake enjoyed waterfalls and wildflowers. The winding trail past the three lakes was profuse with life! We celebrated our arrival at the lake with none other than lunch and Victory Chocolate!
The weather cooperated beautifully on the Emerald Lake hike. Enjoying the last moment at Emerald Lake though the wind by the water was cold!
Hungry climbers and friends enjoy the barbeque About 70 joined us for the after-climb barbecue at Rocky Mountain Church in Estes Park.
The weekend capped off with Nick and Nicklis speaking at the Saturday night service at Rocky Mountain Church. They spoke of dealing with suffering and holding to faith when what God is doing doesn’t make sense. In the words of Oswald Chambers, “It is the process that is glorifying to God, not the outcome.” But the VICTORY He holds for us is glorious!
Many, many thanks go to: Mick and Judy Scarpella Gary and Kathy Turner Frank Dabbiero John and Sharlane White Resurrection Fellowship Rocky Mountain Church Embroidme T-shirts Pat Ward Gail Matthews Janie James Kimberly Williams Marissa Schulze Dave Clarkson Tom Ewing Craig DeMartino Michelle Chase John and Nikki James
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